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How to measure height
Click each step to see the description and its accompanying animation.
Step 1: preparing
Place a height board mounted at a right angle on a flat, level floor
and against a straight, vertical surface such as a wall or pillar.
Before measuring Kofi’s height, explain all procedures to his parents
and enlist their help.
Step 2: removing hair or head pieces
Undo braids and remove hair ornaments if they will interfere with the
measurement.
Step 3: removing coats and shoes
Remove Kofi’s shoes and socks. Roll up the trouser legs if necessary
to see his heels. The measurement will be most accurate if Kofi is
naked. But if he is cold, only remove outer clothing, socks, and shoes.
Step 4: standing up straight
Help Kofi to stand on the baseboard with feet slightly apart.
Step 5: checking posture
Check that the heels, buttocks, shoulder blades and back of the head
all touch the vertical board. One measurer should hold Kofi’s knees
and ankles to help keep the legs straight and feet flat. Ask a parent
to focus Kofi’s attention, soothe him if needed, and inform you if
he moves out of position. Kofi’s head should be positioned so that
a horizontal line from the ear canal to the lower border of the eye
socket runs parallel to the base board. To keep the head in this
position, cup the child’s chin in both hands and gently push the
chin down. The second measurer should push gently on the tummy to
help him stand at full height. Pull down the headboard to rest firmly
on top of the head and compress the hair.
Step 6: reading the measurement
Read the measurement to the last complete millimetre and record the child’s
height in centimetres.
